Chief of Staff of the Army visits a Forward Operating Base in northeastern Afghanistan

Photo By Staff Sgt. David Hopkins | Gen. George Casey, chief of staff of the Army, arrives at a Forward Operating Base in northeastern Afghanistan to meet with Soldiers and see the work they are doing in the area. Casey received a brief, had lunch with Soldiers and toured the Area of Operations.  

JALALABAD, AFGHANISTAN

10.27.2008

Story by Staff Sgt. David Hopkins 

3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division

By Staff Sgt. David Hopkins
3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division

JALALABAD AIR FIELD, Afghanistan – The 36th chief of staff of the Army visited a Forward Operating Base in northeastern Afghanistan to meet with Soldiers, give encouragement and see operations of the area.

Gen. George W. Casey landed at Jalalabad Airfield with an entourage of support staff to see first-hand the work 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, is doing in northeastern Afghanistan to fight the war on terror and support the Afghan people.

"Extremely proficient," Casey said about 3-1 and International Security Assistance Forces for the work they are doing everyday. "They've been here a relatively short period of time, but they have a great command of their area and of their enemy. What I saw was committed, focused Soldiers, really taking it to the enemy."

When Casey arrived he was taken to the command conference room where he was briefed on operations in the area by some of the 3-1 senior staff members.

"We provided the chief of staff with an overview of task organization and the mission of 3-1, TF Duke," Maj. Skip Masterson, Civil Military Operations officer from Greenwood, S.C., said. "He seemed to be very impressed with how TF Duke Forces are currently doing and how we project that we will address continued operations over the coming winter season."

Casey credits the resolve of the Army to the Soldiers and their commitment to their country and the world, in order to make it a better place.

"We are the great Army that we are because of our people," Casey said. "Last year 290,000 men and women enlisted or reenlisted in the Army, the Army Guard or the Army Reserves. Now, that's a heck of a lot of Americans that are committed to the values and ideals that make this country great."

All the newly enlisted Soldiers and reenlisted Soldiers are supporting the war on terror around the world, but the fight is not easy. Casey acknowledged the tenacity of the enemy, but expressed his faith in the American military to overcome the challenges ahead to defeat them.

"We've been at war for over seven years now. Our country was attacked by a global extremist, terrorist network, and they're not going to quit, they're not going to give up, and they're not going to go away easily. They're going to have to be beaten, and it's the men and women of the United States Army and the rest of our armed forces who will carry the fight to the enemy," Casey said.

After the briefing Casey had lunch with several Soldiers in the dining facility to discuss their questions and concerns about the current war.

"The lunch was a kind of question and answer thing," Staff Sgt. Kevin Sanders, a native of St. Lewis, Mo., and squad leader for the commander's Personal Security Detachment team, said. "We all asked him questions, some were simple questions, but some of us asked about serious issues that effect Soldiers, questions about equipment and safety. All of his answers and comments were clear and straight to the point. He seemed to be honest and cares about Soldiers."

Casey was impressed with the Soldiers he interacted with during his time in Afghanistan and compared them to those he has served with throughout his Army career.

"It's been a great visit, I got the opportunity to talk to the staff this morning...and had the opportunity to see what the men and women are doing on the forward edge of the battle area here, and I'm continually impressed with the capabilities of the American Soldier," said Casey. "As I look around the world, there is no question as I travel about, that this Army that we have today is not only the best Army that I've served in for 38 years, but it's the best army in the world. We are that way because of our people, because of our warrior ethos, and because of our values. I saw all of that on display today."

• Date Taken: 10.27.2008
• Date Posted: 10.27.2008 14:33
• Story ID: 25604
• Location: JALALABAD, AF